4. Collaborative tools
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Free tools are completely free to use with all features.
Freeware tools include basic functionality for free. Additional features may need to be paid for.
Open source tools are developed in a collaborative manner and can be used, modified or shared openly. This software can be used for free and often includes a lot of support documentation.
Paid tools can only be used after purchasing, and agreeing to, a product licence.
There are many tools to help you communicate and collaborate effectively. Which tool you choose depends on a range of factors:
- video conferencing or text-based communication — video conferencing may be a more effective means of collaborating at the beginning of your project to build rapport with unfamiliar team members.
- course requirement — your course coordinator may require you to use particular tools.
- integration with other productivity tools — some messaging and conferencing tools will integrate closely with collaborative writing and presentation tools.
Find:
- Group messaging platforms
- Discussion tools used on Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
- Online meetings and video conferencing
Looking for help with your assignment?
Relevant Digital Essentials modules:
- Communicate and collaborate — module on collaborating effectively, writing formal emails and online group work.
- Types of assignments — information on written, video, audio, presentations, posters, 3D models and coding assignments.
Group messaging platforms
| Platform | Useful features | Help and tutorials | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | Secure; searchable message archives; configure notification, integrates with the Microsoft suite | Get started with Microsoft Teams |  Free for UQ students as part of Microsoft 365 |
| Slack | Integrates with Google Drive and many other apps; searchable message archives; configure notifications | Getting started with Slack |  |
| Messenger | Searchable message archives; configure notifications, available as a desktop app | How to start a group chat on Messenger | |
| Searchable message archives; configure notifications, available as a desktop app | Get started with WhatsApp | |
|
| The WeChat Chatterbox Blog outlines products and features | About WeChat | |
Discussion tools used on Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
| Platform | Useful features | Help and tutorials | Cost for UQ students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Discussion Board | File sharing, able to create categories for different discussion threads | Ed Discussion Board Quick Start Guide | |
| Learn.UQ (BlackBoard) Discussion Board | Discussion threads, file sharing. Only instructors can set up group discussions | Using the BlackBoard Discussion Board | |
| Padlet | File sharing, App for mobile devices, can be used as part of a live discussion | Padlet via UQ Guide: Using Padlet |
|
Online meetings and video conferencing
| Platform | Useful features | Tutorials and help | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | App for mobile devices, file sharing, screensharing and chat function, whiteboard tools | Get started with Microsoft Teams | Free for UQ students as part of Microsoft 365 |
| Zoom | App for mobile devices, file sharing, screensharing and chat function, whiteboard tools | Getting started with Zoom | Free account available via UQ |
| Google Meet | File sharing, screensharing and chat function | Google Meet training and help | |
Other tools used for collaboration are discussed in the Communicate and collaborate module.
